Blaenau Gwent Council Planning Committee today approved the planning application submitted by property developer Mercia Real Estates (MRE) to alter the buildings and change the use of the former shopping mall site at Festival Park, Ebbw Vale into a mixed use business centre.
The details specify that the principal focus of the development is to provide premises for businesses, trades, small storage and logistic operators which fall into the ‘Use Classes’ categories of A, B and D.
There are no changes proposed to the access points from the surrounding road network to the site or to any of the wider landscaped areas.
The alterations will eventually provide nine buildings which would accomodate 28 units of varying floor space from 89 to 790 square metres. The overall application is deemed to be a major development as the site area is in excess of 1 hectare.
Councillor John C Morgan, Cabinet Member for Place & Regeneration said:
“This now allows the currently unoccupied Festival Park to be developed and utilised for a variety of uses, thereby providing the site with a new lease of life. The development fits strategically with our Tech Valleys vision and addresses local need for further business units within the area. From an economic development perspective, we are keen to support business start-ups, support our local indigenous businesses grow and attract inward investment projects to the area. This development will act as a catalyst for future business and enable further job creation within the area.”